Bulgarian wines at a glance

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Winemaking in Bulgaria began to be practiced by the ancient Greeks. It is known that in these lands, drinks matured in cellars at a constant temperature, optimal for fermentation. Further, the wine was poured into huge amphorae with a brand, which indicated the year of harvest, the region of origin and the label of the manufacturer. Even then, Bulgarian wines were in great demand in the ancient world and were actively exported to the metropolis - Greece. Since then, the art of cultivating vines and making drinks has not faded away.

Ancient Rome, Byzantium, the Bulgarian kingdoms, the Ottoman Empire - fate did not always favor winegrowers. Twice almost all the vines were mercilessly cut down. The first time this happened under the legislator Khan Krum in 681, the second - during the long (from 1396 to 1878) Turkish yoke. But every time the vines survived thanks to the Orthodox monks. In honor of them, some Bulgarian wines bear names associated with hermits. The most famous are “Monastic hut”, “Confession of a monk”.

Bulgaria is home to several grape varieties. Now the whole world is filled with classic, transcontinental types, such as Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Riesling. However, local winemakers prefer to deal with their traditional vines. Mostly Bulgarian wines are varietal, that is, made from berries of the same species. But sometimes there are also blended ones. Just European varieties are woven into the bouquet - Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet, Ugni Blanc, Traminer.

The best Bulgarian wines, contrary to our established beliefs, are red. The first to be mentioned is the Mavrud variety (it is especially beautiful in the south of the country). First-class dry and dessert wines are made from this variety. Bulgarian is not inferior to him in taste. It gives the wine astringency and juicy scarlet color. It is impossible not to recall the varieties of late ripening. Gymza (grown in northern Bulgaria) stands out among them. Local champagne is also produced from this grape. Kadarka gives life to semi-dry wines, while Pamid gives life to rosé wines.

But this country is known not only for red drinks. White Bulgarian wines also deserve sincere praise. Cognac spirits are produced from Dimyat. Cherven-Misket can be bought cheaply while relaxing in the district of Varna and Burgas. It gives the wine a Muscat velvety taste and playfulness. Vratsa-Misket gives strong drinks with a rich aroma. In the area of white wines, local producersactively use European varieties - Chardonnay, Aligote. But the climate of Bulgaria with its hot summers is unfavorable for Riesling.

During the Soviet Union, this southern country was the main supplier of wine. Every day, two echelons of fifty tanks left in the direction of Moscow. Then exports declined due to high duties. But even now good Bulgarian wines in Moscow can be bought from 250 rubles per bottle. First of all, this is Mezzek, made from Mavrud with the addition of Cabernet and Merlot. Also, a good blend of Mavrud and Shiraz is presented in Villa Vinifera wine. In the Pamidovo brand, the juices of the local Aktis grapes have merged with Merlot. Mmgorud from Assenovgrad is especially appreciated - this is a long-lived wine. It can be aged for over ten years.